Big mate of the late Joe Cocker was Frank. Got to know a drummer from Sheffield John Firminger and he once took myself and a couple of my mates to see Frank and his band. Always remember it was at a pub somewhere in Sheffield and it was a brilliant night of music. RIP Frank.
Similar memories myself - a few memorable nights in there as a sixth former (33 years ago) with a few mates - brilliant musician and band - RIP Frank White
Saw Frank a few times over the years , great guitarist , sad to hear he’s gone . The pub was probably The Black Swan which became the Boardwalk , saw a smashed Joe Cocker a couple of times get up with local bands .
Only saw him a couple of times. ( I was not a big blues fan) But was probably the most renowned artist on the local scene. For more years than I care to remember. Was as close to the bigtime as you could possibly be. Great talent Great band. Sheffield legend. RIP Frank.
Louisiana is a Randy Newman song. Frank was voted best blues singer for a number of years much to the chagrin of Paul Jones.
That was it DR. I got to know John Firminger through running my Country Music Band. He was a man of many talents. When McCartney formed Wings John was in the same studio doing some backing tracks for someone. He was wearing a T shirt he'd made and Macca was so taken with it he gave John a large order to produce some for his band. John also played for Dave Berrys Band The Cruisers and also sat in for Frank Whites drummer when he couldnt make a gig. His party piece was his drum roll. He would uncouple his main drum and roll it across the stage. A really interesting lad, who was steeped in the local Sheffield Music scene. He also had connections with many of the early pioneers of American Rock and Roll, Pop and Country. He brought Sonny Curtis who played for Buddy Hollys Crickets over to GB on a mini tour which I attended. That was a fantastic night never to be forgotten. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-John-Firminger/s?rh=n:266239,p_27:John+Firminger
Just found a clip from the Sonny Curtis, Frank White show in Sheffield in 1990. John Firminger was on the drums that night for the " Kimberworth Killer" the late great Chuck Fowler, who modelled himself on the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis.
Saw him myself a couple of times at the pheasant, supposedly Eric Clapton was once asked to name his favorite blues guitarist and he said Frank White
Not surprised Sparky. A very talented artist was Frank. It is probably one of life's mysteries that he never managed to become an established star on a national basis. Probably down to the fact that he seemed to slavishly devote most of his work to the blues , whereas his contemporaries Dave Berry and Joe Cocker were seen to cross over from time to time.
Could well have been LB. Firminger lead a great life and got round all the venues. He had a large detached house on Burngreave Road. Pride of place went to a massive Bel Ami Juke box with every hit from the 60's you could ever think of. He never had what you'd call a proper job. He was a session drummer and wrote about music, but he managed to make a good living and he got out every night to pubs and clubs in and around Sheffield suppin, and watching or playing live music. What a life. I remember being very envious.
